Hope in Aramaic Studies Journal?

By Robert Jennings

The scholarly journal ARAM features contributions by both Arabs and Israelis (and others) about ancient (and sometimes modern) Aramaic-language culture. Some of the Israeli authors appear to have worked in Jordan. There’s even one article co-written by a Haifa U / Yarmouk U duo.

Aramaic was the lingua franca of the Fertile Crescent from around 700 BCE to 700 CE. Originating among the Aramaean peoples of Syria, and closely related to both Hebrew and Arabic, it gradually replaced Hebrew as the first language of most Jews, and was also an official language in the Arab Nabataean kingdom (which inhabited Petra, among other sites now in and around Jordan). The contemporary Hebrew and Arabic alphabets are both derived from the ancient Aramaic alphabet.

Modern forms of Aramaic are spoken by the Assyrian and Mandaean peoples of Iraq, and by scattered and dwindling communities of both Christians and Muslims throughout the region. Aramaic is also a significant liturgical language in Judaism (e.g., the Kaddish memorial prayer) and in various Eastern Christian (including Arab-Christian) communities.

The journal is basically non-political, but that’s common in philology publications. It serves as a good example of the totally awesome niche research that would be stifled if BDS gets its way.

If we were to try to guilt people out of BDS with this argument, would they care? Just kidding, I already know the answer.

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Author:Robert Jennings

I'm an independent scholar with an MA in anthropology and experience working as an archaeologist in the Middle East. While I'm ethnically Jewish and was always somewhat interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a result of both my family background and my academic pursuits, the conflict became a passion of mine when the explosion of BDS activism on campus started to directly and negatively impact my ability to do my work. I have since changed my career trajectory, but my desire to end the conflict and pursue peace for both peoples remains. (In addition to clicking below, check out this Web address: https://thirdnarrative.org/bds-does-not-equal-peace-articles/what-israels-nightmare-trajectory-may-mean-on-campus/.)

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Scholars for Israel & Palestine (SIP)Pro-Israel, Pro-Palestine, Pro-Peace Scholars for Israel and Palestine comprises progressive academics who are pro-Israel, pro-Palestine, and pro-peace. We are committed to advancing a two-state solution to resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine, bringing peace, justice and dignity to both sides. Click here for background, statements by the SIP and an application to join.

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